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Blog

Album Review: Tom Petty – Kiss My Amps (Reprise)

If you were fortunate enough to see Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers on their recent Mojo tour, you know just how cool this record truly is.

Tom Petty and second in command Mike Cambell made sure that the fans got a full helping of all the Hearbreakers hits, playing multiple evenings in a number of the venues on the tour list, but with such an extensive catalog at their disposal, fans were treated to most of the current album. And that’s what is presented here on Kiss My Amps, a one album slice, offering seven choice cuts. The album was limited to 5000 copies for Record Store Day, released on 25 November in the US.

Fortunately for Petty aficionados, this album has not sold out yet, and there are still a few copies available at sticker price. Other than “Sweet William” which was recorded in June of 2008, the rest of the tracks were recorded between 16 June and 18 September of 2010. As good as the studio version of Mojo is, the Heartbreakers are always at their best on the stage. At 61, Petty and company show no signs of slowing down.

Mixed by long time Petty engineer Ryan Ulyate and mastered by Chris Bellman at Bernie Grundman Mastering, this record does a spectacular job at capturing this band at it’s best. The only disappointment is that the powers that be didn’t make this a two record set. Digital fans rejoice, those purchasing the album are also treated to a 24/96 flac download (or a 320kb/sec MP3 version, but seriously, who would want that?).

If you missed Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers on their last go, here’s your chance to catch part of the action.

5 Comments

“kiss my amps” – brilliant :)… I may know a lil bit “what it’s like to be you”…

Posted: Friday, 2 December 2011

Oliver Rack says:

I will sure be getting this one, and am very interested in the 24/96 download.

BTW, great to find the TONE reviews here.

Posted: Saturday, 3 December 2011

Tom says:

I picked the LP up on RSD and this review just nails it, dead on

Posted: Saturday, 3 December 2011

Egbert says:

Its a fucking great album, give’s me shivers

Posted: Saturday, 3 December 2011

Roy Hill says:

I just heard “Kiss My Amps” last night at Tone Audio’s small group audition on an awesome system. As much as I hate gushing reviews in the audio press and online, all I can say is WOW, WOW, WOW.

The system was made up of high end german electronics and the B&W 802 diamond speakers. I am still in awe of how real it sounded. I closed my eyes and I was at the show. I have heard many good systems over the years and mine is up and coming as the budget allows, but this really blew me away. The next item I’ll be saving for are the 802 Diamonds.

Great job to the “real music” ears at B&W for creating one of the finest speakers I have witnessed. Thanks to Tom Petty for staying true and knowing how to record well. Kudos to Mr. Ulyate and Mr. Bellman for brilliant work on getting the sound correct. Lastly, a big thanks to JD at Tone Audio. He has re-ignited my passion for good audio and good music. I appreciate that he would open his doors to hear what audio can be and can write about it in such a way that gets me going with every issue. “Kiss My Amps” is on order and I am figuring out who I can short at Christmas so I can get the 802’s sooner. Sorry Mom.

Posted: Saturday, 3 December 2011

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